A hair dryer uses about 1,200-1,875 watts on its high setting, typically around 1,500 W. Low settings cut that roughly in half. There's no significant startup surge because it is mostly a heating element.
- Running watts
- 1,500 WTypical; 1,000–1,875 W across models
- Starting watts
- NoneNo motor surge
- Per day
- 0.26 kWh0.17 h of use
- Current
- 12.5 AAt 120 V while running
Figures checked against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer data on . Your model's label is the final word.
Watts by model and setting
Most hair dryer models draw between 1,000 and 1,875 W while running; a typical one draws about 1,500 W. 1,500 W x 10 minutes a day.
- Heat setting: the heater, not the fan, uses most of the power
- Rated wattage: 1,875 W is the common maximum for US full-size dryers
- Travel dryers are often 1,000-1,200 W
- Drying time depends on hair length and airflow
Running a hair dryer on a generator or power station
- Generator: at least 1,500 running watts. A generator rated 2,000 W or more covers it with room to spare.
- Power station: continuous output of at least 1,500 W. Pure sine wave output is the safe choice for motors and electronics.
| Power station capacity | Estimated runtime |
|---|---|
| 500 Wh | 0.3 h |
| 1,000 Wh | 0.6 h |
| 2,000 Wh | 1.1 h |
| 3,000 Wh | 1.7 h |
Based on 1,500 W average draw and 85% usable capacity.
- A big load for its size: needs a power station or generator with at least 1,500-2,000 W continuous output
- Use the low heat setting to roughly halve the draw
- Ten minutes on high uses about 0.25 kWh, a noticeable chunk of a small power station
- Run any generator outdoors, well away from doors, windows and vents; never in a garage or basement, because of carbon monoxide.
Add it to the generator calculator
Questions people ask
Can a 1000 W power station run a hair dryer?
Not on high. Most dryers draw 1,200-1,875 W, so you'd need a unit rated about 2,000 W, or a low setting under 1,000 W.
How many amps does a hair dryer use?
About 12.5-15.6 A at 120 V for a 1,500-1,875 W dryer, close to a 15 A circuit's limit.